Well today went a little better. I mixed up the new stuff and started working. I was able to finish the soldier course and the first two rows of bricks for the arch landing. The new material worked nice, was very creamy as described in most threads and appears to be setting up. I don't think it can get too hard when it's so damp. I'm very pleased with the test cement-pop; it's as hard as a rock.

I also want to clarify something I posted earlier. I said that the brown bags of Heatstop-50 were old and bad and the new good bags were white. I was just referring to MY bags and did not intend to mislead anyone in thinking that if they get brown bags that it will be bad. The mfg just said the latest run was in white bags but they still use brown bags. He also said the white mix is a little different... Couldn't really explain how but I guess it doesn't matter as long as it works.

My day ended with a unannounced huge rain storm. I made the mad dash for the tarp, got everything covered, and is good till morning. I did have to cook chicken on the grill in the rain though...

I took a week off work and had my sister and brother in law visit when I did the major work on mine.

I had a little setback as well, pressed on - and am fabuously happy with my oven. Seemed like a huge setback at the time!

I can vouch for the exterior fiber reinforced coating you used on your base. I love it!! It's been over a year with no cracking (well one crack -= after I ran the vibratory compactor over the patio 2 weeks ago and came within 1/8 inch of the base - hindsight moment...

I'm sure I'll laugh about all this later but I am really shooting for a Thanksgiving turkey in the dome! I'm not going to rush anything, just stick to my schedule if weather permits. I went out to start today and it's pouring out! I'm thinking I'll get the large umbrella from the table...

By the way, your build is awesome! I love the Geodomes like you and Dmun created. I think thats such a cool look.

I'm grateful to have this forum for help and encouragement; I know how easy it will be to put this off for a while and before you know it it will be spring.

I still haven't decided on an exterior finish yet. I am going to create another dome and will more than likely use brick. Another thought I had (After Dmun suggested I believe) is to use porcelain tiles cut into brick dimensions and then wrap the exterior with them. I can use an additive in the grout to keep out any water and as a prep coat I could use more of the wall bonding agent; its waterproof as well.

I'm getting waaaaay ahead of myself. Hopefully it will stop raining and I can get the 1st course of the dome up. I'm going to make my template/support for the arch and get that going.

After starting the day out with very heavy rains I managed to get the first course up. It went ok, not as smoothly and neat as I wanted but I moved up wards and my mortar is getting hard. That in itself is a major improvement over the other day. The string was not used; it's in an old hole that was drilled before I decided on the final location. I placed it there today and luckily realized it was not centered...

Blimp shot. The black dot on the right is an ant that I couldn't resist smashing my thumb into... One of those days

Entry shot...

Side view

Ready for the next row!

I'll try and get that done by Tuesday as I have to travel all week. The kids are begging to go on the boat next weekend so I want to get at least 2 more rows by next Sunday.

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